Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt has partnered with Waste Management this year to support the university's environmental initiatives throughout campus, and Commodore fans can help protect the environment by recycling items at each home football game.

"Waste Management is very proud and excited to have been chosen as the new sustainability partner for Vanderbilt Athletics," Robert Cheney, Waste Management director of business development and strategic planning in Tennessee said.

The partnership is in conjunction with the continued campus-wide efforts of Vanderbilt's Sustainability and Environmental Management Office (SEMO) and Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Responsibility (SPEAR).

"We look forward to supplementing and supporting the impressive environmental initiatives that have been achieved by the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office (SEMO) in making Vanderbilt a more sustainable university," Cheney said."Through WM's sustainability partnership with Vanderbilt's campus, medical centers and athletics, we are committed to bringing more awareness to SEMO's efforts to increase recycling at campus events. Enhanced accessibility and convenience at tailgating and sporting venues is just one example of Waste Management's commitment to Vanderbilt and the Commodore Community!"

Recycling receptacles will be available at each home game and fans will be able to easily dispose of their plastic, paper and aluminum cans from their tailgates before each game.

"Each football game presents an enormous opportunity to recycle tons of materials in just a few hours," said Andrea K. George, director of sustainability and environmental management at Vanderbilt. "We are excited to work with Waste Management and Vanderbilt Athletics to expand our recycling capabilities and increase awareness of gameday recycling options for the fans."

Each game, Waste Management will be hosting a "Get Caught Green Handed" promotion where one fan is caught recycling in Vandyville before the game. The selected fan is rewarded by being recognized on the video board and receiving an autographed item by Head Coach James Franklin.

Additionally, fans will be encouraged to bring six aluminum cans to the WM booth in Vandyville to receive a gift.

"We are thrilled about the partnership with Waste Management and Vanderbilt Athletics," said Jeff Miller, Vanderbilt IMG vice president and general manager. "This provides a broad platform for Waste Management to promote the sustainability initiatives taking place in and around the Vanderbilt campus."

Here are some tips to minimize waste while tailgating:

Bringing reusable food containers, utensils, plates, and cups

Bringing items that have as little packaging as possible

Bring only what food and beverages you need for your tailgate, try to minimize leftovers

RECYCLE all plastics (# 1 - # 7) and aluminum cans in recycling bins located on the concourse, at the gates, near every tailgate area, or give them to the recycling staff

Take home and reuse those commemorative Commodore Cups from the concession stand

If you would like to volunteer to help with this effort, please contact Vanderbilt's Sustainability and Environmental Management Office (SEMO) at recycle@vanderbilt.edu or call 615-343-2784. More information about Vanderbilt's recycling and sustainability programs can be found at the SustainVU website.